Not a natural pairing, but a quick drive in both got me thinking about how VW manages its various brands in terms of character and driving behaviour. All very grown up, I know - but we can't skid the shizzle out of stuff every week.
Once Enzo Ferrari was asked why he uses Fiat switches and instruments for his Ferraris. He replied that he was producing millions of them and was sure they were working....if he had to produce 100s new switches just for Ferrari he was not sure that problems will arise.
In my opinion, Drive features some of the best automotive journalism in the world; better than any website, expensive advert filled magazine or TV show. I'm truly grateful.
This reminds me of when my dad who had a succession of well-specked Audi’s sat inside my 2016 Touareg. Fiddled with some of the switches, saw the screen between the dials and then noticed the electronic parking break and start/stop button - realization of just how similar VAG products can be.
Wonderfully presented Chris. You've found the recipe for keeping those of us who need a little more than burnouts and 0-60 times interested while not forgetting the other side of the viewing public. I believe what the VW group is doing is really the modern way of designing things. You build a framework then design within it. This scales very well and allows for continuous and far-reaching improvements to be implemented in a consistent way. There's no reason to be special if it doesn't work.
The reason I love you Chris, is because you see cars in a different way than most people do. You just compered an Audi S4 with Cont. Speed, Who does that? Nobody. Yet you showed us how they are somewhat similar. I love both cars by the way.
Well done Chris! I love that you come at this review from a completely unexpected angle. You kept me engaged throughout the review. I'm also a very happy owner of a 2013 S4 (sedan) and I absolutely adore its driving character and understated (Q-car) appearance.
I instantly scrolled down to see if Chris Harris was mentioned because THEN i would know this is gonna be awesome. Damn it drive put his name in the title everytime!
Chris is one smart guy. To be able to realize the similarities between these two cars and then compose such a good video to convince people of his point of view, genius.
Thank you for addressing this subject Chris ! The noticeable homogenization of the cars under the VW banner has been gradually creeping onto the automotive landscape and showing itself in increasingly different areas.. You're bang-on in questioning whether this is a good (or smart) thing. I've actually driven the previous Continental GT Speed (several times) and I always came away with the distinct, initial impression that it was a fancier, more powerful VW Phaeton.
Chris Harris is a rare treat in the world of motoring journalism. His last comment is, I think, the crux in that these are two very competent cars. I wonder, were they to be the same cars they are but made by wholly separate companies if the similarities would be as stark. I've had a lot of cars with 'character' and I'm now at a point where overall competence is the more enjoyable trait.
Less so the replacement but more the pioneer in how we all are consuming car related media. I look forwards to Chris vids far more than I do TG or my monthly copy of Evo. Long may it continue!
Chris is the best he always brings an engaging review of the vehicles that he drives. The Brits can give honest accounts to the viewer to give them if they wish, a opportunity to explore there purchase and it's options. the BEST! keep it coming drive LOVE the reviews!!!
It was a review in which many of us already knew the ending. The tricky is how to put that on paper. Or worst, in a video review. And the way Chris demonstrated is was Baruch Spinoza's logic. Very, very nice indeed.
Thanks Chris! This concept is the reason we (in the US) do not have the Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saturn, Mercury, Plymouth brands being sold anymore...the models they sold were all too similar to their cousins within their respective families (same engine, same trans, same suspension, even same options available). Granted, many of those cars were just plain bad, but it is a good warning to companies that if cars feel too similar, it will make them just a car and no more or less special than the next
carry on Chris, your insightful comments and commentary are a joy i look forward to watching and re watching your clips you are to reviewing what Vettel is to F1 Bravo
That's what real reviewing is, being both meticulous on all aspects and making it really interesting to listen at. You suprise us everyday with something new, and that's why I enjoy your reviews so much, Chris. Keep up the good work! ;)
Such a great subject. Chris, I know you have an older Passat estate (B5.5 2001-2004ish) because I have a very similar one. You have the diesel, but I have the 1.8t. The reason I got this car (and love it) is because I wanted an estate (wagon here in the US) but I also kind of wanted a GTI or an S4 because those are both such great cars. The VW group is awesome because it can make someone like me who would die to own a Bentley, R8, or RS4 but can't afford it still have some of that greatness.
With what you're actually getting for your money, I prefer the S4. It's luxurious enough for me. And if I had the money to buy a Bentley, I'd be buying an Audi S8.
You got a strong point there. And not only with cars, but with everything in general. Where are those days in which things were thought giving more weight to quality than quantity?
Lovin' your work Chris! Met him down at Am Tiergarten Hotel (N'ring) in sept 2010 - really nice ordinary petrol head, nice bloke and as good a racer as he is journo!
Terrific, Chris. This video felt like it was part review and part editorial on the state of the industry. There is nowhere else where such insight can be found side-by-side with entertainment.
Could not agree more. Just bought a 2016 S5 and the car drives just like the Bentley GT. The follow up to this video should be how similar the Veyron is the the GT! Cheers
That`s it. Who would compare a top end bentley with an audi family estate, and get away with it like... Bond? Harris. Chris Harris. Congratulations on a mindblowing review.
Bentleys are special, they are a car that you buy to show the world that you made it. Audis are good, well made German cars but there are so manny of them on the roads that I don't think that they make you feel special (unless your in an R8 of course) and their divers like to tailgate you as well.
Chris, I totally agree with your point. I am very fond of cars with lots of character or 'soul'. I mean whats the point of going fast when you cant get all excited about it. Even some slower cars have lots of character. Once I was test driving the new Mulsanne and quality of the wood and leather finish was very special, however, driving it left me rather cold, especially when the Arnage it replaced has a lot of character. It didn't help that I drove the Merc CL next and it felt the same to drive
@sciencestudent88 the light appear to be flashing because they in fact are but our eyes don't pick it up normally where as a camera capturing frame by frame does. Its like when a wheel is spinning in one direction but on camera it can sometimes appear to be slowly spinning in the reverse direction
I see the audi s4 as an entry level to a super/performance car. As for the Bentley not having character, but somewhat similar to the Audi s4. That is a good thing.
I agree - DRIVE has it, where-as Top Gear USA doesn't. We're car enthusiasts, and Drive feeds that through various ways. British Top Gear can stay, and we'd appreciate it forever. The thing DRIVE has going for it is that it still has time to adapt and improve its style(s) even more, which gives us enthusiasts more than merely having another TG copy.
Personally I think this is trickle down, not trickle up. AUDI'S share controls with BENTLEY's, rather than the reverse. At least thats how I would see it personally, seeing as all VAG products are built to such a high standard, if a flagship Audi Model shares some similar buttons to a flagship Bentley car, I really don't see the issue myself. Fantastic video as usual!
I think if you have a single car group character that differs from another GM vs VW, there is still the diversity alive. Its already in place and I like that you pick what group you like whether it be BMW, VW, GM and then choose the car that you want/can afford! If you want a very quick, awd platform you pick from the VW offerings. If you want something with a huge engine, great performance but at a lower price point, your GM vehicle is waiting, now would you like a sedan (CTS-V) or coupe (ZR1)?
Charging many times more for what is essentially the same product in a more expensive form is outrageous! Merc tried to do that as well with Maybach and failed. VW & BMW seem to play their cards right, so far... Chris Harris you are a future millionaire.You just don't know it yet!
Great review. VW Group is huge, and no car overlaps in terms of quality and price. You have Seat/Skoda, VW, Audi, Bentley and then Bugatti, so it good that people who can't afford Bentley, gets the same feel when driving S4 which is third of a price of a Bentley. So it isn't a bad thing in my mind.
Bought my Audi A4 Premium Plus a week ago. It's nice to know that it shares ride characteristics with a much more expensive Bentley. I think the big difference between the two, is the badge. The sense of exclusivity of driving a Bentley. Also the choice of materials. I don't think you could find cheap plastic surfaces, buttons and knobs in a Bentley like you would on an Audi.
Spot on... My latest boss had a Bentley GTC and I've always been saying that it lacks character... He also had a Maserati Gran Turismo S and a Lamborghini Gallardo - But the Gran Turismo S was the car he drove every single day.. The other two just felt like two big chunks of Audi / VW without character.. So for those who wants a GT car with personality - Get a Gran Turismo S. U wont find one with more character than that. PS. Would love to se you review the new GTS!
Let's just hope VAG doesn't become the old GM. Keep the videos coming Chris, I like your opinions and points of view on cars. Very interesting to say the least.
It is on the V6T, although the TFSI is in reference to the company's newer version of direct injection. It was just FSI originally and received the upgrade in 2009 or 2010, I can't recall
Another great video Drive and especially Chris, it also shows how great content can create a interesting video, even without the most interesting of footage. Also nice to hear that Mr. Chris Harris shares the same praise of the Audi S4 as myself. If you like the S4 please take a look at my S4 Avant video Oh and just to put things in perspective here in Denmark the S4 is around 131.600£ / 196.000$ and the Continental GT Speed 524.000£ / 781.800$
Most compliant or most well rounded in all aspects of a car, not in regard to power, stats or luxury only. (accessibility, drivability, comfort, sportiness, practicality, affordability etc.). Same with many BMW 3 Series, VW Golfs, Mercedes E-class, etc. I love the RS5 but it is competing in a different class and so is the RS6. The R8, S8 is also great cars but they are not complying with the "Best car ever built thesis" in the terms Mr. Harris is referring to. (pls. correct if i´m wrong Mr. H)
Chris -- you always do a fantastic job. However, I find that ergo similarities can be a good thing. When you refer to switchgear placement, that was always something I loved about Mercedes products. Not so much these days, but it always used to be that you could hop into any Merc and, assuming it was legal, drive off blindfolded. Modern Mercs, particularly the S-Klasse, are far more random and perplexing when it comes to switchgear...
This video is the exact reason why I am looking for a nice Phaeton. Which is the ultimate family day to day automobile up here in the north east. Would like a W12 but they are pretty much like Unicorns. Awesome video, you have definitely made a point without being to cheeky LOL!!
Regarding the driving position, it's obvious that controls are in similar positions: studies were surely made to make ergonomics as comfortable as possible. Change the cabin configuration on purpose would probably end up messing it.
This is very interesting indeed, sometimes you can see how some components are shared witho getting into the car, such as the rain sensors mounted on the windscreen etc
idk i think that is the best part about a "personaly luxury coupe" its just supposed to be quick allways and just be easy to drive quickly. i think the fact that it was not very distinctive was a very good thing for it. example: to paraphrose clarkson the difference between modern cars and older cars is not the performance but the usabillity. drive the audi from one side of the country to the other then drive the bently home. you will notice the differences then!
This is a well done episode Chris. Something that i was thinking about a few times, how it feels to sit in these similar, but on the other hand, different cars. Thank you.
